Minister of Music

First Presbyterian Church, Durham (FPC), is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Established in 1871, it is “downtown by history and by choice” and its ministry is grounded in inclusivity, faith exploration, pastoral care, community, faithful stewardship, and social mission. FPC honors and celebrates the human diversity and unity that God gives us in Christ by welcoming individuals of every age, race, nationality, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and economic circumstance to participate fully in the life of the church.

The campus includes a 100+ year-old sanctuary, a church house (fellowship hall, meeting rooms, church offices), and a Christian education building; on weekdays, it houses the First Presbyterian Day School. Our congregation of 580 members is led by three full-time clergy. 

Music is central to congregational life, worship, and community engagement. The music ministry at FPC includes a Chancel Choir of more than 40 youth and adult volunteers that sings at the weekly Sunday worship service, offering sacred music from a variety of styles and traditions. A Children’s Choir (K-5) focuses on basic singing skills and provides occasional leadership in worship. Integration of instrumentalists and soloists in worship is common (and is supported by a generous endowment), enhancing the breadth of musical expression. A multi-age Handbell Choir forms periodically to prepare musical offerings for worship. 

With its sanctuary’s rich acoustics (renovated 20 years ago with careful attention to musical acoustics), a significant Austin pipe organ, grand piano, and harpsichord, FPC regularly hosts local choral and instrumental groups. In doing so, we invite the community to experience the power and beauty of a variety of musical offerings and extend hospitality beyond Sunday morning.

Position Summary

The Minister of Music provides artistic, liturgical, and administrative leadership for the music ministry, leading a program integrated with the church’s core values of Reformed worship, diversity and inclusivity, community, and faithful stewardship. FPC is seeking a Minister of Music who is both a strong liturgical musician and a thoughtful program builder. This leader will collaborate with the pastoral staff to plan music that reinforces worship and our theological identity, nurture a diverse and multi-generational music ministry, and support music programming that reflects FPC Durham’s commitment to social and economic justice, racial equity, welcome, and inclusion. The anticipated salary range for this full-time position is $55,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

Worship & Liturgical Leadership

–Collaborate with pastors and other church staff to plan worship, selecting and preparing music that reflects FPC Durham’s theological identity and core values.

–Serve as principal organist for regular Sunday services and coordinate additional musicians as appropriate.

–Lead rehearsals and direct the Chancel Choir; integrate the Children’s Choir and other ensembles into worship.

–Provide music leadership for special services (seasonal liturgies, funerals and memorial services, weddings, community events, concert services).

Program Development & Inclusivity

–Develop and sustain a music ministry that reflects the church’s core values of welcome and diversity.

–Encourage participation in ensembles as a form of worship, faith formation, and community building; build pathways for new and diverse voices in the program.

–Support music education and formation at all levels (children, youth, adults) consistent with FPC’s commitment to faith exploration and community engagement.

–Foster and sustain community within and beyond music program participants.

Community Engagement & Outreach

–Strengthen the visibility of FPC’s music ministry in the broader Durham community through strategic use of the sanctuary space, including hosting local and visiting ensembles for concerts.

–Foster partnerships with civic and arts organizations to broaden the church’s ministry reach while honoring its core values of inclusivity and community.

Administration & Stewardship

–Oversee care and use of musical instruments and library resources, ensuring faithful stewardship.

–Manage music program resources, including budgeting, scheduling, and hiring of supplemental musicians.

–Support copyright compliance and administrative functions related to music ministry logistics.

–Participate as a member of the church staff team and relevant committees.

Qualifications

–Demonstrated ability in organ performance and choir direction, with a repertoire drawing upon diverse styles appropriate to liturgical worship. Able to integrate traditional sacred choral repertoire from multiple eras into inclusive worship.

–Leadership skills that reflect deep respect for diversity and a collaborative approach consistent with FPC Durham’s core values.

–Experience in building community, growing inclusive programs, and nurturing volunteer musicians across ages and backgrounds.

–Strong administrative skills for effective program stewardship and resource management.

–Musical training at the undergraduate or graduate level preferred, with demonstrated church music experience preferred. 

Application

Pre-application email inquiries are welcome at Music2026@firstpres-durham.org.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV/resume to Music2026@firstpres-durham.org. Links to video recordings of services/performances are encouraged. Finalists will be invited for interviews and to demonstrate music leadership in worship or rehearsal settings. Applications will be accepted through Friday, April 10, 2026.

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